Milford superintendent: School left with no option’ in coach firing

Assistant football coach Pat Cornelius, who was ousted following a locker room tirade aimed at players, was fired only when he refused to have a psychological evaluation, administrators told the School Committee last night.

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Dec. 16, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 16, 2011 at 4:06 PM

By Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Posted Dec. 16, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 16, 2011 at 4:06 PM

MILFORD

» Social News

Assistant football coach Pat Cornelius, who was ousted following a locker room tirade aimed at players, was fired only when he refused to have a psychological evaluation, administrators told the School Committee last night.

“No one started out in the process looking to terminate a coach,” high school Principal Michael Tempesta said.

Superintendent Robert Tremblay said administrators tried to work with Cornelius, but he didn’t express a willingness to work with them.

“We were left with no option but termination,” Tremblay said.

Cornelius, who did not attend last night’s meeting, was fired one week after he yelled and cursed at players in response to an Oct. 14 incident that he has called hazing. Administrators have said it was not hazing.

School Committee members set up last night’s session to press administrators about their actions leading up to Cornelius’ firing.

Administrators emphasized Cornelius was fired only after he refused to undergo a psychological risk assessment. He was also given the opportunity to resign with pay but declined that option, they said.

School Committee member Patrick Holland questioned what role Cornelius’ refusal to get the evaluation played in his firing.

Tempesta said the district needed to ensure students are safe. A teacher would not have been allowed to be in front of students until such an assessment was complete, he said.

Committee member Patrick Kennelly questioned why Cornelius was not asked to give a written statement and why he was allowed to participate in a practice immediately following the incident.

Safety and Security Director David Cutler said Cornelius made the initial call about the incident, and the district got Cornelius’ account from that.

“I think that’s a problem, that you didn’t get a statement from the coach,” Kennelly said.

Parent Donald Quattrochio questioned whether administrators followed several policies, including the coaches’ handbook. The handbook does not mention termination for a first offense but dictates that the athletic director meets with the coach and develops a written improvement plan, he said.

Quattrochio said Cornelius had gone to the hospital on Wednesday with chest pains.

Head football coach Tom Cullen praised Cornelius for not ignoring the incident.

“I’m sure Pat would have liked to address some things differently if he had the opportunity to do it over again,” Cullen said. “He was man enough to deal with that situation.”

Page 2 of 2 - School Committee member Paul Mazzuchelli said the district needs to turn its attention other issues such as next year’s budget.

“The district is doing so good — why don’t we talk about that?” he asked.

Brian Benson can be reached at 508-634-7582 or bbenson@wickedlocal.com.